Otis | 4 Months Old

You are just the smiliest little dude, Otis! Daddy and I have decided that Wren wasn't quite as smiley at your age and we are soaking up all the extras. You're also still such a mess 99% of the time, but you are not bothered by it one bit. You continue to talk all the time and still want to be right with us, especially hanging outside. I can't tell if you prefer to watch Wren (we call it Wren TV and it is by far your favorite show) or have all of my attention to yourself (a rarity) but both of those go straight in your happy tank. And as you can see, she's just as into you sometimes too. Sweet sibs.

In the last month you have started rolling over from front to back, acing tummy time and grabbing toys with more focus and dexterity. And oh boy - I forgot how much fun it is to tickle a defenseless baby and all of your sweet first giggles go straight into my happy tank. 

We're still working on a little tightness in your neck when you look towards your left to avoid any more head flattening, but so far you've been cleared by all the doctors and specialists. We are just grateful that you're hitting your marks and milestones just fine. 

You are a joy. Our joy. And we love you immensely sweet boy!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Wren!

I can hardly believe that we celebrated our sweet and spunky THREE YEAR OLD this past weekend. Wren Mikaela, you are such a delight! You are an extrovert to the max, inclusive to everyone, full of energy and imagination, a little wild, more than a little particular (like your mama) and such a special big sister and often a "little mama" to Otis and anyone else who will let you boss them around. You sure do keep us laughing and the best kind of tired at the end of each day. 

Often our favorite part of the day is listening to your response when we ask you your favorite part of the day at bedtime each night. Sometimes it is relevant to our actual happenings, sometimes it is pretend kitties, but it is always a chance to get to just enjoy who you are becoming. 

2017 has been a big year so far and you have just increased your stride to take it all in. We love your adaptability and how it helps us be more bold, adventurous and non-stop as a family. We are so blessed that you are ours and we love you much! Always play purty, little bird.

Big sister, little brother

I bribed and had to nurse more than once to get these. Hello, new normal. But sure do love these two and my heart already jumps at watching their relationship grow. Siblings sure are something special!

Welcome, Otis Perry!

Otis Perry, our brand new sweet BOY.  What a ride we have been on! 

And now looking back it feels like you have brought with you an extra dose of God's peace, joy and sovereignty. Like God sent it all with you especially, as you were dripping with it when you arrived. Because nothing really went to plan. The day you finally decided to arrive, things were progressing right along just fine and then suddenly turned on a dime - as if to remind us that it has been a long journey full of obstacles [spiritual, mental and physical] and that there might be a few more required of us yet. But as we welcomed all 8 pounds 12 ounces of you into this world on Thursday, July 27th, 2017 at 10:20pm after 18 hours of labor and an unexpected but calm and collected decision to opt for a Cesarean delivery, you helped to keep our gaze steadily upon what is most important. Just like I said I thought you would. 

What a true gift of all gifts that you are! We simply love you so! Wren cannot get enough of you and neither can we. So we are so very glad we get to keep you forever (: Welcome to the Anderson Fam Jam, kid!